City Guide: Yaounde

Cameroon is an important sub-Saharan country in west Central Africa. The most significant characteristic of the country is that it is the only country in the region in which there has not been any disorder, civil war, or coup since 1982. The capital city of the country,which has gained independence from France in 1960, is Yaounde. Yaounde, located on green and hilly terrain, is one of the most peaceful cities in the region. In the country, which is a center of interest for tourists with its rainforests and wildlife, Yaounde is a good origin point to travel north or south. There are many starred hotels in the city. 10 days prior to visiting the country, it is necessary for visitors to get vaccinated against yellow fewer. It is also advised to get vaccinated against diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, menengitis, cholera, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and typhoid fever.

Display All

• Tourist Attractions

  Yaounde is a capital city where the modern and the traditional coexist side by side. You see people who are on their way to work with their laptops and people in colorful local clothing who are carrying baskets full of fruits and vegetables up on their heads, next to each other. The same thing applies for the general appearance of the city. Next to tall and large buildings, you see single-story houses.  In Yaounde, which is also called “the city on seven hills” by some sources, it is almost impossible to roam on foot. There are no road signs in the city. As names of the streets and places are frequently changed, we advise you absolutely not to go on the road without writing the address down and getting good directions.

• Culture & Entertainment

  Cameroon Art Museum: The museum, which is a part of Mont Febe Monastery, is spectacular with its collections. Items such as masks, wood carvings, and pottery of many local tribes living in Cameroon are on display.  Especially the brass “Great Maternal Figure” sculpture from the village of Foumban located northwest is worth seeing. The chapel of the monastery was decorated with Cameroonian handicrafts.
  The sunday religious service, which takes place at the stadium that is slightly outside of the city center, is flooded by tourists. The service, which starts at 09.30 in the morning every sunday, turns into a magnificent spectacle with dances and the women's choir singing. You can conveniently reach the location, using a taxicab.
  Afhemi Museum is, actually, located in a private residence. In the museum, which is located 6 kilometers southeast of the city center, works of art that are collected from numerous regions of Cameroon are being displayed.

  The National Museum may not have as rich a collection as the Cameroon Art Museum; even so, it is a great place to visit for those who would like to get to know the colorful and rich culture of the country.

  Cathédrale Notre Dame des Victoires (Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories) is one of the most beautiful cathedrals of the city. It will appeal to tourists who are interested in religious structures. The bell tower and inner decor of the structure, the construction of which was started in 1952, are interesting.
  
  ENTERTAINMENT
  Parks, Games, Events, and Natural Areas
  The Mvog-Betsi Zoo is one of the top zoos in West African countries that are in a great shape. You can see mammals such as gorillas and chimpanzees that have been saved from pain and the hands of illegal meat traffickers. Lions, hyaenas, snakes, birds, and giant lizards are also among the residents of the zoo.
  
  CITY TOURS AND TRANSPORTATION
  Public transportation is not available in Yaounde. Transportation in the city is carried out by shari taxis. Road signs are hard to come by on the streets.
  Yaounde Airport is located at a 20 minute distance to the city by taxicab.
  
  NEARBY LOCATIONS
  You can go to the Akok-Bekoe Caves with daily tours. These caves are holy  places for the pygmies. In these caves, religious rituals are performed. Also, ceremonies to consult the ancestors prior to making important decisions are carried out. It is forbidden to take photographs, without obtaining permission first.
  

• Food & Drink

  The food culture in Cameroon is quite plain and simple. Generally, vegetables are either fried or boiled. Chicken and fish are fried in an ample amount of peanut oil. These dishes are usually served with rice and noodles. As for fruits, you can find plenty of bananas, pineapples, and papayas. Dishes from the French Cuisine are served in restaurants of large hotels.

• Shopping

  Centre Artisanal, located in Place John Kennedy, is a good market to get souvenirs. Here, you can find many objects that are special to Cameroon like wood carving items and masks. However, the prices of the items in the market are slightly higher than those sold on the street.

Ticket Sales Offices: Yaounde

• Yaounde: Airport Map Information

  Yaounde Nsimalen Intl. Airport

  Address	:
  Phone	:

• Yaounde: Airport Map Information